Circle Economy is hiring a
Project Manager, Circular Textiles and Apparel
At Circle Economy, we believe it is time for a new economic approach: the circular economy. We are an impact organisation with an international team that develops practical and scalable solutions to accelerate the adoption of the circular economy. We are growing rapidly both in the Netherlands and around the world through strategic partnerships. Using data, tools and digital knowledge, we support businesses, cities and nations to become circular, across a variety of thematic areas, such as textiles, finance, built environment, and circular jobs.
The Circle Textiles Programme was launched in 2014 as the first sector programme within Circle Economy. Building on years of experience in leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects, the Textiles Programme has the mission to enable a zero waste textiles sector by;
Reducing the existing textiles waste, by enabling the data, technology and infrastructure needed to valorise textile waste at end-of-life
Preventing the generation of textiles waste, by increasing apparel brands' capacity to assess and adopt circular strategies
The work of the Textiles Programme focuses on three pillars:
1) Circular Roadmaps
We work with a diverse portfolio of partners and clients across multiple sectors, to co-develop methodologies and measurement for a circular textiles industry.
2) Capacity Building
Through our interactive learning programmes, we empower businesses and stakeholders with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to take actionable steps towards circularity.
3) Research
We bridge the gap between research and implementation by translating key findings and data into actionable and scalable solutions.
Who you are
We are looking for an engaged and highly motivated Project Manager with knowledge of, and passion for, the circular economy and the apparel and textiles industry, to join Circle Economy in Amsterdam.
As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for the design and delivery of multiple projects for both private and public clients, in particular, in the field of capacity building and training of international apparel brands through the On Course Training Programme.
You are an excellent public speaker and group facilitator and have knowledge in learning techniques (training creation and execution, online learning, and more).You have a deep and nuanced understanding of the circular textiles industry and preferably, circular materials, circular design and circular business models. You are familiar with key concepts and players, market dynamics, current and future innovations, and the challenges and considerations that arise when applying circular principles in day-to-day business and design processes.
This role also requires a background in, and acumen for, business development. You will take the lead in researching, identifying, and acquiring new business opportunities for On Course, to realise yearly objectives. Additionally, you have experience working with apparel brands, and have insight into their distinct needs and dynamics. You are also able to engage with stakeholders from various backgrounds and levels, and can build professional and long-term relationships.
You will support the overall growth and success of the Circle Textiles Programme, secure its significance to external stakeholders, consolidate relationships with key partners, monitor its performance, and the refinement of its strategy year on year.
You are reliable and driven by a spirit of collaboration, constantly challenging yourself and others to innovate, while bringing quality to execution and delivery. You are practical and skillful, and eager to make an impact and scale it up.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Business Development: Identifying, formulating and acquiring new project and partnership projects and opportunities internationally, in line with the organisational and programmatic strategy and geographical focus. Taking a strategic and analytical approach to pin-pointnew business opportunities - including new markets, growth areas, trends, customers, partnerships - and new and innovative ways of reaching existing markets.
Training development: Advancing the professionalisation and expansion of the On Course Training Programme including knowledge harbouring and new content creation, development of learning activities and learning outcomes, design of workshop exercises and tools that are suitable for online and in-person learning.
Capacity Building: Fluid online and in-person facilitation of educational workshops and consistent high-quality delivery of training to diverse actors across the textiles value chain, such as: international brands, suppliers, SMEs or solution providers..
Project Management: Effectively managing projects and coordinating internal teams, clients and stakeholders to move projects forward securing execution. Delivering on project goals ensuring on time delivery and high quality, managing related project budgets accurately and efficiently.
Strategic Thinking: Seeing the bigger picture and setting aims and objectives in order to develop and improve the delivery of business development approaches across the organisation.
Communication: Representing Circle Economy and expanding its network by public speaking, hosting roundtables, organising and delivering workshops and participating in panels internationally.
Collaboration: Working with colleagues across the organisation to understand business development needs and cross-departmental opportunities.
Essential Competencies and Skills
Masters Degree in fashion and textiles management, design, supply chain, innovation, sustainability, business studies, or equivalent discipline.
Minimum of 3 - 5 years experience in project management, strategy and business development; identifying and initiating new projects, building project plans and associated budgets, identifying and acquiring relevant funding.
Experience with designing, delivering and evaluating workshops and training (preferably on sustainability or circularity) to relevant stakeholders, across the value chain.
Expertise and knowledge, or equivalent work experience (5+ years) working in the textiles and fashion industry, in the circular fashion industry (specifically circular materials, circular design, high-value textile recycling and circular business models), including understanding and acquaintance with key players, supply chain insight, market dynamics (drivers/ challenges), current and future innovations.
Fluent in English and have excellent written and oral communication skills
Preferred Competences and Skills
A strong and active network in the apparel and textiles sector. Proven experience in building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, networking, partnership, and relationship management at a senior level and in different geographies (LATAM/ASIA/NA/EMEA)
Certification or solid knowledge of best practices supporting the management of programme and project management (Prince/PMP, Scrum or equivalent)
Certification or solid knowledge of best practices in education, design thinking or training facilitation.
What we offer you
This is a 32 to 40 hours per week role for an initial period of 6 months, in Amsterdam. We offer a challenge for a passionate person who is impact-driven and loves to learn and take on responsibilities within a vibrant and talented team in a pioneering organisation. We will coach you to put your skills and ideas to work in order to have impact. Salary is competitive, keeping in mind we are a social enterprise. EU work authorisation is required for this role.
To apply
To apply, please submit your cv and a motivation letter. The deadline for applications is Sunday 21st August .